Rotatable connection with limited rotational angle

ABSTRACT

A rotatable connection for a mount device for placement in an operating room includes an adjustable stopping mechanism that can be disposed between a first connection component and a second connection component that is mounted rotatably relative to the first connection component about an axis of rotation. The adjustable stopping mechanism may be adapted to establish at least two different relative rotational angles of the connection components relative to one another or at least two different rotation ranges. The adjustable stopping mechanism includes a rotation lock that can be disposed non-rotatingly at the first connection component and a coupling part that can be disposed non-rotatingly at the second connection component and that has a form-locking contour for establishing individual rotational angle positions, and may include a stopping device with an integral stop. 
     The stopping device may be non-rotatingly positionable. A support system or mount device are also provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

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STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

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THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

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INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC OR ASA TEXT FILE VIA THE OFFICE ELECTRONIC FILING SYSTEM (EFS-WEB)

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STATEMENT REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR OR A JOINTINVENTOR

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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a rotatable connection for a mountdevice for placement in an operating room.

SUMMARY

The present invention relates to a rotatable connection for a mountdevice for placement in an operating room, the connection comprising anadaptable stopping mechanism that can be placed between a spindle and asleeve that is mounted on an axis of rotation and is rotatable relativeto the spindle, the stopping mechanism also being adapted to establishat least two different relative rotational angles of the spindlerelative to the sleeve or at least two different rotation ranges,wherein the adaptable stopping mechanism comprises: a rotation lock thatcan be disposed in the spindle; and a non-rotating coupling partprovided on the sleeve, the coupling part having a form-locking contourfor establishing individual rotational angle positions. The presentinvention particularly relates to a rotatable connection that has theindividual features of claim 1 and a support system or mount device withindividual features of the further corresponding independent claims.

Mounts, in particular ceiling mounts such as ceiling supply units,monitor supports or so-called spring arms or central axes, usually haveone or more supports non-rotatingly or height-adjustably disposedrelative to a vertical position for moving and positioning a medicaldevice attached to the supports, for example in an operating room, inparticular at an intensive care station. Frequently mounted to themounts are supply units for supplying medical-electrical end deviceswith the media required during an operation, for example. In theprocess, the supports define a radius of action for the medicalequipment within which the medical equipment can be positioned. Thesupports can usually be rotated about at least one rotatable connection,in particular a rotating hinge. Alternatively, the supports are alsoheight-adjustable and/or are disposed about an at least approximatelyhorizontal axis and can pivot vertically.

A rotational motion of individual supports, whether absolute rotationalmovement or rotational movement relative to another support, should inmany cases be limited to a prescribed angle. This can, for example,prevent a support from rotating by more than 360° relative to anothersupport, and thereby twisting, pinching or even tearing lines beingrouted in the support. An example of rotational angle limiting can be astop which a support abuts at a specific rotational angle, for example300°. In the process, the stop can be non-rotatingly mounted to thesupport, for example, in particular in the form of a securing boltinserted in the radial direction. The stop prescribes a pre-definedrotational angle in the process. This kind of rotational angle limitingcan indeed keep a maximum rotational angle from being exceeded, butthere is usually the disadvantage that the freedom of movement of themount is limited. For example, a supply unit in the mount can no longerbe placed in any desired position as a result. The radius of action ofthe mount is limited, in particular regardless of the particulars of theroom situation. Therefore, each individual case must be weighed to seewhich stop can or should be used to define the rotational angle limit.However, correctly designing the rotational angle limit, in particularadequately positioning the stop, can create difficulties in themanufacture of the corresponding mount, particularly when the placewhere the mount is to be used has not yet been clarified. Therefore,rotational angle limits are made practical in that an rotational angleor a rotational position can be adjusted afterward.

A device with an adjustable rotational angle is known from EP 2 325 541B1. EP 2 325 541 B1 describes a two-part, adjustable stopping mechanismin which a circular part can be positioned selectively outside about aperiphery of a first support or a hinge of the first support, and inwhich the circular part comprises a plurality of grooves or projectionsdisposed at the end for arranging the circular part in differentrotational angle positions relative to the first support in a simplemanner. Further disposed at the circular part is a stop at which asecond support can stop. The circular part can be used to adjust anrotational angle of the two supports relative to one another. Thestopping mechanism is disposed inside of a sleeve of the second supporthere. The circular part can be raised by way of engagement of a tool ina groove that runs around an outer surface of the circular part, theraising positioning the circular part in a desired rotational angleposition relative to the first support. Furthermore, another circularpart that is positionable relative to the circular part is provided atthe first support. The two circular parts are disposed inside of thesleeve and are enclosed and covered on the outside radially by thesleeve. Disposed in the sleeve is a securing bolt inserted in the radialdirection, the bolt reaching into an intermediate space formed betweenthe two circular parts. The expansion of the intermediate space in theperipheral direction is defined by the relative rotational position ofthe first circular part relative to the second circular part. Theangular range within which the two supports can be rotated relative toone another can be defined by way of the expansion of the intermediatespace in the peripheral direction. The stopping mechanism issubstantially disposed at the first support in the process, andcooperates with the second support by way of the radially insertedsecuring bolt.

DE 38 08 327 A1 describes a stopping mechanism in which a threaded boltcan be shifted in the radial direction in a threaded hole so thatdifferent rotational angle positions can be established.

One object of the present invention is to provide a rotatable connectionfor adjusting an rotational angle or rotational (angle) range in asimple manner. In particular, the object also involves providing a mountdevice comprising a rotational angle limit in which individual supportsof the mount device can be positioned within a defined action radius inan operating room thanks to a rotatable connection that can be easilyadjusted, or in a flexible manner.

This object is achieved by way of a rotatable connection for a mountdevice for placement in an operating room, comprising an adjustablestopping mechanism that can be disposed between a first connectioncomponent (in particular a connection component of the rotatableconnection) and a second connection component that is mounted rotatablyrelative to the first connection component about an axis of rotation (inparticular a connection component of the rotatable connection), theadjustable stopping mechanism being adapted to establish at least twodifferent relative rotational angles of the connection componentsrelative to one another and/or at least two different rotation ranges,wherein the adjustable stopping mechanism comprises: a rotation lockthat can be disposed non-rotatingly at the first connection component; acoupling part that can be disposed non-rotatingly at the secondconnection component and that has a form-locking contour forestablishing individual rotational angle positions; wherein theadjustable stopping mechanism comprises at least one stopping devicewith an integral stop, wherein the stopping device comprises aform-locking contour that corresponds with the form-locking contour ofthe coupling part, the stopping device being positionable non-rotatinglyat the coupling part by means of said stopping device contour in atleast two different rotational angle positions in such a way that theintegral stop is adapted to cooperate with the rotation lock directly orindirectly by way of an element that couples the rotation lock to thestopping device (directly), in particular a stopping ring, and toestablish the different rotational angles or rotation ranges. Thisprovides an adjustable rotatable connection in a simple, and especiallyflexible manner. The adjustment can be made by way of axial shifting orby re-setting or re-inserting the stopping device, in particularmanually. The separate stopping device or plurality of stopping devices,in particular two or three, can be disposed in different rotationalpositions between the two connection components. In the process, it ispossible to establish different rotation ranges, for example onerotation range from compass north (the geographical north direction) to300° or 330° clockwise and counterclockwise, for example, or a rotationrange starting from compass east to 330°, in a very simple manner. Thisallows the radius of action to be adapted to a mount device relative toan arrangement near the wall or in a corner, for example. In otherwords, a starting point or beginning point of a specific rotationalangle range can be easily adjusted. It is also possible in a simple wayto define or adjust an (absolute/maximum) amount of the rotational angleby repositioning, in particular by re-inserting, the stopping device,for example in 15° steps. The integral stop is preferred to beintegrally provided at the stopping device, i.e. the stopping deviceforms a single piece together with the integral stop.

The rotatable connection of the present invention differs from therotatable connection described in EP 2 325 541 B1 among other things inthat the stopping device is mutually rotatable together with the secondconnection component up to the stop at the rotation lock, whereas therotatable connection of EP 2 325 541 B1 requires a more complex rotationstop design. In the rotatable connection of EP 2 325 541 B1, therotation lock is rotated together with the first connection component,which requires that grooves be made in which the rotation lock can bemoved. It is preferable for the rotatable connection of the presentapplication to be designed such that the first connection component isfixed and the second connection component is mounted rotatably relativeto the first connection component.

By locating the stopping mechanism both at the first connectioncomponent and at the second connection component, a stopping device canbe provided which can act directly between the two connection componentsand which can be disposed and repositioned in a simple manner betweenthe two connection components, in particular by way of axial shifting.

The number of components can be kept low with high flexibility and manyvariation options using a stopping device comprising one or moreintegral stops. It is preferable for the overall stopping mechanism toconsist of only three or four different components, in particular therotation lock, the coupling part and the stopping device, andalternatively an additional stopping ring as well. Then, at eachconnection component there can be provided a connection to the couplingpart and to the rotation lock.

For example, the connection or support of the coupling part to or at thesecond connection component, said connection or support described as anon-rotating arrangement, can be provided by way of a tongue and grooveconnection, in other words a connection that only defines a singleposition of the two components relative to one another. A non-rotatingarrangement can in this regard also include an arrangement in which thecoupling part (one-piece) is designed as an integral part of theconnection component. In particular, the coupling part can be integratedinto a second connection component designed as a sleeve.

Here, a rotatable connection is preferred to be understood as anarrangement by which a rotation of two components relative to oneanother by a prescribable angle can be ensured. The rotatable connectioncan be a connection between a sleeve and a spindle, for example, whereinthe rotatable connection doesn't necessarily include the sleeve and thespindle, but can only include the bearings or bearing surfaces providedfor the same, for example. The rotatable connection is preferred tocomprise at least one rotating hinge or constitutes a part of therotating hinge. Here, a rotating hinge is preferred to be understood asa hinge that enables at least one rotation about one or more axes ofrotation, wherein a translational degree of freedom can also beimplemented. The rotating hinge is preferred to be disposed at theinterface between two individual supports, but can also subdivide asingle support into multiple sections. For example, the rotating hingecan be provided at the interface between a spindle and a sleeve. Therotatable connection is further preferred to not comprise any grooves.

A mount device here is preferred to be understood as device for holding,fixedly arranging and/or shifting at least one medical device, the mountdevice able to be permanently mounted to a wall (in a wall support) or aceiling or on the floor of an operating room or any other room formedical purposes, for example a ceiling mount. The mount device is thusnot completely displaceable freely in the operating room, but can onlybe moved within a specific radius of action, in particular relative to afastening point or mounting point on a ceiling or wall of the operatingroom. The mount device can be designed as a ceiling supply unit mountedto a ceiling and can comprise one or more supply panels supported andpositionable at one or more support arms. The mount device can also bedesigned as a monitor support. The mount device can also be designed asa so-called spring aim, in particular a spring arm mounted on a wall,and can comprise a lamp, for example. The mount device can also bedesigned as a so-called central axis, in particular a central axismounted to a ceiling and comprising a plurality of support systems, eachwith at least one support, to which a monitor or lamp, for example, ismounted. However, the mount device does not necessarily have to berigidly mounted to a wall, but can also be mounted on a mobilesubstructure. The mobile substructure can be positioned fixedly in theroom, for example using brakes. An adjustable stopping mechanism isuseful in this case as well.

An adjustable stopping mechanism here is preferred to be understood asany device that can limit a rotational angle and/or rotation range of asupport within a specific adjustable range, in particular relative toanother support or relative to an axis of rotation (fictitious) that ispermanently positioned in the room, for example an axis of rotation thatpasses through a fixed fastening point on a wall of a room. It ispreferred for the adjustable stopping mechanism to also comprise atleast one form-locking connection or to be designed for form-locking.The adjustable stopping mechanism can also act in a force-lockingmanner.

A rotation range is preferred to be understood here as an angular rangewithin which a support can be rotated relative to another support or toa wall. For example, the angular range can be 300° or 330°. The angularrange can be established relative to different peripheral positions, forexample from 0° to 300° relative to a north direction or from 30° to330° relative to the north direction. The rotation range can be definedby the different rotational angle positions. However, the angular rangedoesn't have to always be large, but can also be limited to 180°, forexample.

A rotation lock is preferred to be understood here as a part that iscoupled to the rotational motion of the first connection component (forexample a spindle), whose rotation can be blocked somehow and thatcooperates with the first connection component, preferably in aform-locking manner. In the process, the rotation lock is preferred toprotrude out from the first connection component, preferably in theradial direction. The rotation lock can be designed as a bolt or pin orintegral protrusion, for example.

The coupling part is preferred to be understood here as a part that iscoupled to the rotational motion of the second connection component (forexample a sleeve) non-rotatingly and that cooperates with the secondconnection component, for example in a form-locking manner and inparticular in rotational synchrony. In other words, the coupling part isprovided at the second connection component in such a way that thecoupling part and the second connection component always execute thesame rotational motion. The position of the coupling part relative tothe second connection component is then pre-defined, nor can theposition be changed. The coupling part can be formed by the secondconnection component, for example cast thereon. It is preferable for thecoupling part to be provided at the second connection component and tobe axially fixed as well, in other words to not be able to move in theaxial direction relative to the second connection component. Thecoupling part is preferred to only be connected to the second connectioncomponent or to be formed thereby and is decoupled from the firstconnection component, and only cooperates indirectly with the firstconnection component by way of the stopping device. For example, thecoupling part can be designed to be circular and can have at least aform-locking contour in the form of a cogging, for example a sawtoothcontour, in particular at the interface to the stopping device. Thecoupling part can then be called a gear ring. It is preferred for thereto be no stops or rotation range-defining integral stops disposed on thecoupling part. Such stops are not required, particularly since norelative rotational motion needs to or should take place between thecoupling part and the stopping device. It is preferred for the couplingpart to be adapted to support the stopping device rotationally fixed inan adjustable rotational position at the second connection component sothat the rotation lock can abut against the stopping device in order totransfer a resultant corresponding reaction force from the stoppingdevice to the coupling part.

A stopping device is preferred to be understood here as a part that isadapted to provide an integral stop in a position that is locally fixedrelative to one of the connection components, in particular relative tothe second connection component, wherein a (rotational) force, forexample a torque, exerted on the stopping device in the peripheraldirection can be transferred between the connection components by way ofthe integral stop. It is preferred for the stopping device to reach insections around the axis of rotation in as small an arc as possible. Thestopping device can then be described as an adjustment element, forexample. It is preferred for the stopping device to be designed as anadjustment element with a contour that is designed at the end thereof tobe form-locking in the axial direction in the direction of the couplingpart. An adjustment element is preferred to be understood here as a partthat can be positioned in different rotational angle positions, forexample shifted by 15° at a time, which is to say in 24 differentrotational angle positions, and that extends by only as small an amountas possible in the peripheral direction in the process. An integral stopis preferred to be understood here as any surface section or indent thatis integrated into a base member of the stopping device.

An rotational angle position is preferred to be understood here as arelative rotational position of a support relative to another adjacentsupport or relative to an axis that points in a fixed direction in theroom. The rotational angle position is preferred to be describedrelative to the rotational angle about the axis of rotation. Therotational angle position can also be described relative to an absolute(horizontal) angle, for example about a (fictitious) vertically alignedaxis of rotation.

A form-locking contour is preferred to be understood here as a coggingor toothed contour or a contour with regular indents or protrusions. Inthe process, the shape of an individual tooth is largely arbitrary. Itis preferred for the individual tooth to have the shape of a block or asseen in cross section the shape of a square. The form-locking contour isnot necessarily exclusively form-locking, but can also be force-locking.The form-locking contour is preferred to not be firmly bonded so as tomake sure that the at least one integral stop can be frequentlypositioned reversibly and arbitrarily in different rotational anglepositions.

It is preferred for the stopping device to be adapted to transfer arotational force exerted on the integral stop and acting in theperipheral direction directly between the first connection component andthe coupling part. In other words: the stopping device is adapted todirectly couple these two parts to one another.

It is preferred for the stopping device to be displaceable in the axialdirection along the axis of rotation. This allows the rotatableconnection to be easily adjusted. For example, it is only necessary tograsp the stopping device and pull it out axially, in particular upwardopposite to the force of gravity.

It is preferable for the stopping device and/or the coupling part toreach around the axis of rotation, at least in sections, wherein thecoupling part is preferred to be designed circular and is disposedperipherally around the axis of rotation. The stopping device, on theother hand, is preferred to be designed as a segment of a circular ringthat covers only a small angular range.

It is preferable for the form-locking contour of the coupling part andthe form-locking contour of the stopping device to each be designed as agear ring, wherein the teeth of the gear ring preferably protrude in anaxial direction at least approximately parallel to the axis of rotation.A gear ring is preferred to be understood here as contour that isdesigned as rotationally symmetric relative to the axis of rotation andthat comprises a plurality of individual teeth, wherein the teeth aredisposed at a uniform distance from one another. The gear ring design,for example, provides the advantage of smaller adjustment steps sincethe more teeth there are, the finer the starting point or beginningpoint of the rotational angle range can be defined, such as in 10°steps.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the stopping device is designedas a pluggable adjustment element, in particular a fixing block,preferably as an adjustment element that axially displaceable along theaxis of rotation in the axial direction. This can ensure ease ofoperability and accessibility, in particular around the entireperiphery, even when the coupling part is integrated into the secondconnection component.

It is preferred for the form-locking contour of the coupling part to beaccessible in an axial direction at least approximately parallel to theaxis of rotation such that the stopping device with the correspondingform-locking contour can be placed onto the coupling part in the axialdirection. This makes installation and adjustment easier.

It is preferred for the stopping device to be positioned axially at thecoupling part or at the second connection component in the axialdirection solely based on the force of gravity. This free arrangement(without additional fasteners) can provide a stopping mechanism that canbe adjusted or adapted especially easily. It is preferred to dispose thestopping device in such a way that a non-rotating arrangement of thestopping device at the coupling part (in particular exclusively) isensured by way of a weight force or gravitational force acting on thestopping device. In the process, the only thing necessary for adjustingthe stopping mechanism is to move the stopping device opposite to aweight force acting on the stopping device. There is no need to removeany radially inserted securing pins or screws. Rather, axial securing ofthe stopping device can be done if desired, for example by way of a snapring. However, such a securing method is not necessarily required, sothat the rotational range or rotational angle can be adjusted withoutany tools.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the stopping device issubstantially or exclusively formed by a single base member, wherein theintegral stop is preferred to be formed at a side surface of the basemember and/or in a recess of the base member. In the process, anintegral stop is understood to be an integral stop formed at the basemember if the stop is provided by a (side) surface or shoulder (radialsurface) or an inner indent of the base member, said surface or shoulderor indent not protruding out from the base member. This can ensure acompact and stable arrangement. An impulse exerted on the stoppingdevice can be easily damped and absorbed. No torque is exerted due toany kind of protruding indents or protrusions. This can prevent thestopping device from being lifted out of the seat or from the positionat the coupling part, even when the stopping device is relatively smallor narrow.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the integral stop is formed by abridge that has side surface sections that are displaced inward in theperipheral direction and or by side surfaces of the base member. Thiscan ensure that the stopping device remains securely in a giveninsertion position at the coupling part even when relatively largeimpulses act on the stopping device.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the base member has an arc-shapedgeometry, in particular an arc-shaped internal surface and/or anarc-shaped external surface. This allows the base member to be inserteddirectly between the coupling part and the first connection component.Regardless of the form-locking contour, the stopping device can thushave a geometry that corresponds to the geometry of the first connectioncomponent (in particular a tubular geometry) and the geometry of thecoupling part. This allows the stopping device to be safely positionedbetween the first connection component and the coupling part, even whenthe stopping device is only manually placed between these two partsquickly or carelessly. This arrangement can ensure safeself-positioning, centering and alignment between the first connectioncomponent and the coupling part.

It is preferable for the base member to have an internal surface that isdesigned to geometrically correspond to a shell surface of the firstconnection component. The base member further preferably comprises atleast one external, preferably arc-shaped surface section that isdesigned to geometrically correspond to at least one surface section ofthe form-locking contour of the coupling part. By designing the surfacesthat ensure the relative arrangement of the stopping device relative tothe first connecting component or to the coupling part near theform-locking contour, the stopping device can be positioned between thefirst connection component and the coupling part and can be made to abutthese two parts in such a way that wedging or tilting can besubstantially prevented even when a significant impulse acts on thestopping device when two stops hit one another (during heavy rotationalmovements) and has to be transferred to the second connection component.At the same time, it can be ensured that the two form-locking contourscontact one another even in a stopping device that is inserted withoutusing tools.

It is preferred for the base member to have an arc-shaped inner surfacethat forms a centering means for defining a radial position relative tothe first connection component. A radial position defined by the innersurface can ensure engagement of the form-locking contour with goodcertainty. In the process, the invention is also based on therealization that the stopping device can be securely positioned betweenthe first connection component and the second connection component, inparticular since both connection components can be displaced relative toone another substantially free of play. This arrangement free of playcan be used to easily (in particular without tools) securely positionadjustable stopping devices. It is preferred for the inner surface to bedesigned to extend over the entire height (extension in a directioncorresponding to the direction of the axis of rotation). This can ensurea stable arrangement at the coupling part and at the first connectioncomponent. This can effectively prevent tilting. When inserted, thestopping device can slide along the first connection component in theaxial direction. In other words: the first connection component can beused to cause the two form-locking contours to seamlessly engage withone another even if visual contact is not possible for whatever reason.This kind of arc-shaped inner surface also facilitates shifting in theperipheral direction along the first connection component, in particularin order to detect or find a specific position for the stopping deviceat the coupling part.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the base member is designed as acircular ring segment preferably designed to be symmetric relative to aradial plane (RE) running centrally through the base member. This allowsa plurality of different positions to be provided on the coupling partfor the stopping device, and the integral stop can be provided onsurfaces that can cooperate with the rotation lock or with an additionalstopping ring at advantageous points with regard to the forces andtorques to be transferred. It is preferable for the base member to belimited here by an inner surface and an outer surface that areconcentric with one another and that can be arranged concentricallyrelative to the axis of rotation.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the stopping device, inparticular the base member, has an extension about the axis of rotationin the peripheral direction of the coupling part corresponding to an arcin the range of 5° to 50°, preferably 10° to 40°, more preferably 15° to30°. An arc extension of at least 10° is advantageous especially forstability reasons in particular and with regard to providing goodsafeguarding against tilting. An arc extension of no more than 30° or40° is advantageous especially with regard to a large rotational anglerange, in particular in connection with two stopping devices, both ofwhich are disposed at the coupling part and the two of which definedifferent rotational angle positions. Also, if the arc extension is keptas small as possible, the two stopping devices can be disposed next toone another without significantly limiting the rotational angle range.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the form-locking contour of thecoupling part is designed on a shell surface that faces inward and/or ona top surface of the coupling part pointing in the axial direction,wherein the form-locking contour of the stopping device is designed on abottom side that point in the axial direction toward the coupling part.This can ensure an easily accessible, easy to operate insertionconnection in which the individual insertion positions are visible andcan be counted off, for example in order to change the rotating angle by45° which corresponds to three more insertion positions in theperipheral direction, for example.

It is preferred for the form-locking contour of the stopping device tobe designed on the bottom side of the base member, in particularradially on the outside between the bottom side and the outer surface.This position of the form-locking contour at the base member favorssafer positioning of the stopping device between the two connectioncomponents, for example.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the form-locking contour of thestopping device is formed by at least one notch that connects an outersurface with a bottom side of the stopping device (in particular of thebase member) and that thereby interrupts an edge or radial ledge formedon the outside between the outer surface and the bottom side, whereinthe notch is disposed at a distance from the opposing side surfaces ofthe stopping device. Keeping the notch at a distance can ensure that thestopping device can support itself in the peripheral direction when animpulse in the peripheral direction acts on the stopping device.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the form-locking contour of thestopping device is formed by way of teeth, in particular one or twoteeth, wherein the teeth are preferred to be disposed at two opposingside surfaces or to define the side surfaces at least in sections. Thestopping device can support itself well in the peripheral directionusing the teeth. It is preferred for the teeth to each comprise fouropen area sections for defining the outer contour of the teeth. Theteeth then do not comprise five surfaces as would be the case with aprotruding tooth or cube. In other words, the teeth are preferred to notbe protruding teeth, but rather teeth that are integrated into the basemember and formed by the at least one notch. According to a variation,protruding teeth with five surfaces can also be provided.

The form-locking contour of the stopping device is preferred to compriseopposing radial surfaces (shoulders) that are designed geometrically tocorrespond to opposing radial surfaces of the form-locking contour ofthe coupling part. This can ensure an effective transfer of forces andimpulses in the peripheral direction and at the same time allow thestopping device to be easily re-insertable or repositionable.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the stopping device has a height(H) equal to an extension in a direction that corresponds to thedirection of the axis of rotation, the height being greater than aheight (H1) of the form-locking contour by a factor of 1.5 to a factorof 10, preferably by a factor of 2 to 7, more preferably by a factor of3 to 5. Such size relationships can increase the stability of thearrangement and can facilitate (manual) handling of the stopping devicein particular grasping, repositioning and insertion. The stoppingdevice, in particular a base member, protrudes considerably from theform-locking contour of the coupling part, but a stable arrangement atthe coupling part can be ensured nevertheless.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the form-locking contour of thecoupling part is formed at a coupling part edge that protrudes in theaxial direction. A radial position of the stopping device can be definedusing the edge. The form-locking contour of the coupling part ispreferred to comprise surface sections against which the stopping devicecan abut with corresponding surface sections, whether against innerradial surface sections and/or outer radial surface sections. In otherwords, the form-locking contour of the coupling part is adapted tosupport the stopping device in a pre-defined radial position relative tothe first connection component, in particular by way of an inner radialsurface section and/or an outer radial surface section. A pre-definedradial position can ensure that the stopping device can be securelypositioned between the first connection component and the coupling partand that the form-locking contours engage with one another even when thecontours are simply inserted (without using tools). A pre-defined radialposition also allows the form-locking contours to be designed with someplay so that the contours operate more smoothly if desired. Thanks tothe pre-defined radial position and a position or placement that islimited between the first connection component and the coupling part, asmooth form-locking contour is provided which makes installation andrepositioning easier without the use of a tool, for example.

Damping can also be provided in a simple manner here. In particular, anelastomer can be provided at one or more side surfaces of the stoppingdevice, in particular of the base member, whether integrated or in theform of an adhered element, for example a substantially flat pad.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the stopping device has asectional T-shaped profile in a horizontal plane (HE) orthogonal to theaxis of rotation (R), at least in sections relative to the direction ofthe axis of rotation, in particular at a lower section, preferably at abottom side. This geometry for one thing can provide an integral bridge,and for another the stopping device can be optimized with regard to anespecially stable arrangement at the coupling part. The T-profile canensure that impulses acting in the peripheral direction from both sidescan be redirected centrally to the stopping device.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the stopping device comprises tworecesses that define a bridge therebetween, wherein the bridge ispreferred to be disposed centrally relative to the peripheral directionand internal radially. This arrangement can ensure an even forceintroduction to the stopping device from both sides, wherein the bridgecan be integrated with a/the base member of the stopping device in asimple manner.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the rotatable connectioncomprises a stopping ring that can be mounted rotationally blockable atthe first connection component and that has at least one stop thatcorresponds to the integral stop, wherein the at least one stop ispreferred to axially overlap the integral stop. An additional stoppingring can expand the adjustable rotation range, for example by 90°. Astopping ring in combination with a plurality of stopping devices canenable a particularly large variance when adjusting the action radius.

The connection or placement of the stopping ring to or at the connectioncomponent, which is described as a rotationally blockable arrangement,can be produced by way of two protrusions that hit against one anotheror can engage with one another, for example, in other words by way of aform-locking connection. The stopping ring is rotatably disposed aboutthe axis of rotation, in particular together with the first connectioncomponent. The stopping ring can be rotated together with the firstconnection component when engaged, which can be secured by way of a stopin the form of a bolt or securing pin. A rotationally blockablearrangement can thus involve an arrangement in which it is indeedpossible for there to be a relative rotational motion between therespective part and the respective connection component, but that thedegree of the rotational motion is limited by some kind of stop ab aspecific rotational angle. As soon as the connection component meets astop of the stopping ring, a relative rotational motion between theconnection component and the stopping ring is no longer possible in thecorresponding direction of rotation. In other words: in a rotationallyblocked arrangement, the stopping ring can no longer be further rotatedabout the first connection component, at least in one rotationaldirection. A relatively large rotational angle range can be adjustedusing a rotationally blockable arrangement, in particular a range with arotation angle of greater than 360°. According to a variant, arotationally blockable arrangement of this nature can also comprise anon-rotating arrangement, in other words a tongue and groove connection,for example.

It is preferred for the stopping ring to be mounted rotationallyblockable at the first connection component, but only preferably withregard to a rotational motion. In other words: the rotationallyblockable arrangement doesn't necessarily involve a pre-defined axialposition. To the contrary, the stopping ring is preferred to be mountedat the second connection component in the axial direction by way of thestopping device and/or the coupling part. In the process, the firstconnection component can preferably be positioned at the secondconnection component axially, or vice versa, for example by way of ashaft snap ring.

A stopping ring is preferred to be understood here as a part that iscoupled to the rotational motion of the first connection component (forexample a spindle), whose rotation can be blocked somehow and thatcooperates with the first connection component, preferably in aform-locking manner. The stopping ring is preferred to be displaceablein the axial direction relative to the first connection component. Inthe peripheral direction, relative displacement to one another isblocked or can be blocked beginning at a certain rotational angle. Thestopping ring can be circular, for example, and in that case can becalled a stopping ring defining at least one stop. A stop is preferredto be understood here as any protrusion or indent, and one thatprotrudes in the axial direction in particular.

Preferably, the stopping device is adapted to prevent direct interactionbetween the stopping ring and the coupling part. The stopping device ispreferred to be intermediately mounted between the stopping ring and thecoupling part and to be adapted to transfer a torque between thestopping ring and the coupling part.

Preferably, the stopping device is disposed axially between the stoppingring and the coupling part. As an arrangement, “axially between” ispreferred to be understood as one in which the first [connectioncomponent] and the coupling part are not directly coupled together, butare only indirectly coupled by way of the stopping device. An “axiallybetween” arrangement is preferred to mean that the stopping ring doesnot have to engage the coupling part in the axial direction, but that anengaging or cooperation of the stopping ring with the coupling part(alone) can be secured by way of the stopping device. In other words:the stopping ring is preferred to only connect directly with thecoupling part, in particular by way of the stopping device.

It is preferred for the stopping ring to be displaceable in the axialdirection along the axis of rotation. This allows the stopping device,together with the stopping ring, to be displaced in the axial directionin a simple manner in order to adjust the rotation range or rotationalangle. There is no need to remove any kind of bolt that reaches in theradial direction or to remove any sleeve that holds the bolt in order todisplace the stopping ring and the coupling part relative to one anotherin the axial direction. The stopping ring can be placed over a centeringdevice at an inner shell surface at the second connection component.

It is preferred for the stopping ring and the coupling part and thestopping device to be disposed in series consecutively in the axialdirection. This allows the rotatable connection, in particular thebeginning point or starting point of the rotational angle range to beadjusted easily, in particular after the stopping ring and the stoppingdevice are pushed apart in the axial direction.

The rotation range can be easily adjusted by axially displacing theparts and the stopping device relative to one another. The arrangementconsecutively in series also facilitates easy installation. Anarrangement consecutively in series is understood here to be anarrangement in which the stopping ring sits against the stopping deviceand in which the stopping device sits against the coupling part.

It is preferred to dispose the stopping device in the axial directionbetween the stopping ring and the coupling part and for the stoppingdevice to overlap the coupling part in the axial direction in the areaof a form-locking contour and to overlap the stopping ring in the areaof the stop in the axial direction. By disposing the stopping ring andthe stopping device in the axial direction in overlapping fashion, thestopping mechanism can be provided in the form of an insertion systemwith a simple design. It is also possible to ensure good stability inthe arrangement, in particular since the stopping ring and the stoppingdevice can stabilize against tipping, especially through the use of theinner and/or outer shell surface of the stopping device. It is preferredfor the stopping ring to be dimensioned and geometrically designed suchthat the stopping ring, in particular the at least one stop, can bedisposed at least partially outside around the stopping device and/or atleast partially inside the stopping device. This arrangement allows theat least one integral stop to be disposed at an outer or inner shellsurface of the stopping device, whereby a force in the peripheraldirection can be transferred. The integral stop can be designed to beespecially robust and massive.

According to a variant, the stopping ring is circular and comprises twoor more stops that are disposed opposite one another and that protrudein the axial direction from a disk of the stopping ring, in particularat an outer shell surface or circular surface. The stopping ring canhave an area that is rotationally symmetric, in particular a disk-likearea. A disk is preferred to be understood here as a substantially flatpart that extends substantially in a plane which points in the radialdirection and that has much less extension in an axial directionorthogonal to the plane. A design as a disk has the advantage that asliding surface can be provided in a simple manner on a respective faceof the disk.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the stopping ring and thestopping device and alternatively also the coupling part can be axiallydisposed or positioned or mounted in the axial direction at the secondconnection component. It is preferable for at least the stopping ringand the stopping device to be positioned in the axial direction solelydue to the force of weight axially at the second connection component.This free arrangement (without additional fasteners) can provide astopping mechanism that can be adjusted or adapted especially easily.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the stopping ring is disposedsuch that a rotationally blockable arrangement at the coupling part (inparticular exclusively) is ensured by way of a weight force orgravitational force acting on the stopping ring. In the process, theonly thing necessary for adjusting the stopping mechanism is to displacethe stopping ring opposite to a weight force acting on the stoppingring, in particular without the use of a tool. There is no need toremove any radially inserted securing pins or screws.

It is preferred for the at least one integral stop to comprise opposingside surfaces that correspond to the at least one stop of the stoppingring and that can be disposed preferably on the same diameter arc as theat least one stop.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the rotatable connectioncomprises at least two stopping devices, wherein the stopping ring canbe axially positioned in the axial direction at the coupling part or atthe second connection component using the stopping device. Thisarrangement facilitates adjustment of the rotatable connection even whenan additional stopping ring is provided. It is preferred that thestopping ring be disposed or can be disposed such that the axialarrangement relative to the coupling part is secured by a weight forceacting on the stopping ring. This arrangement facilitates adjustmentwithout the use of tools and can enable self-securing positioning.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the stopping ring and thestopping device form a bearing support for one another, in particular asliding bearing for sliding motions relative to one another. It ispreferred for at least two stopping devices and the stopping ring toform a sliding bearing together. The stopping ring lies atop therespective stopping device here. This allows the stopping ring to bedisplaced frictionlessly relative to the stopping device and to thecoupling part even when there is a normal force acting on the contactsurface between the stopping ring and the stopping device. Of course,the normal force doesn't have to be large, since it can be equal to theweight of the stopping ring, for example. The bearing can provide asmooth rotatable connection, and the interaction between the individualcomponents of the rotatable connection can certainly be optimized. It ispreferable for the stopping device to be disposed between the stoppingring and the coupling part in such a way that the stopping ring is onlyin contact with the stopping device, but not with the coupling part. Thecoupling part is likewise only in contact with the stopping device. Inother words, the stopping ring cooperates with the coupling part(preferably with the coupling part only) by way of the stopping device.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the stopping ring comprises asliding surface at an end side, in particular at an end side that facesthe stopping device, and is adapted to slidingly rotate on the stoppingdevice, in particular on at least two stopping devices, using thesliding surfaces. The stopping device can further comprise a slidingsurface at a top side, in particular at a top side facing the stoppingring and facing away from the second connection component, and can beadapted to support the stopping ring using the sliding surface in orderto allow a sliding rotational motion about the axis of rotation. Thesliding surface of the stopping ring can, preferably, be designed to becompletely surrounding as a circular surface, for example, or only insections. The surface contact on the stopping device can provide arobust stopping mechanism that can be actuated manually in a simplemanner. No screws or other securing means or fastening elements need tobe removed, and in any case an optional snap ring can be provided tosecure the stopping ring axially. The interlocking of the components, inother words the stopping ring, the stopping device and the couplingpart, can be secured solely by the force of gravity. The surface contacton a circular face can secure a precise positioning of the componentsrelative to one another and the rotatable connection can be designedvery robust and smooth.

A sliding surface is preferred to be understood here as a surface thathas a low coefficient of friction for sliding friction, whether due to aparticularly low surface roughness or a very smooth surface or becauseit is a low-friction material with lubricating characteristics. Forexample, die-cast zinc, with or without a coating, can be used as thematerial for the stopping ring or the stopping device.

The object mentioned above is also achieved using a support system for amount device for arrangement in an operating room and for positioning amedical device in the operating room, the support system comprising arotatable connection according to the invention and the first connectioncomponent, in particular in the form of a spindle, and the secondconnection component, in particular in the form of a sleeve.

A support system is preferred to be understood here as components of themount device that assume the function, at least partially, of holdingand positioning the medical device. The support system can comprise aplurality of preferably rigid arms or supports that are displaceablerelative to one another, as well as a plurality of levers, hinges orbearings.

A medical device is preferred to be understood here as a lamp, a monitorand/or a supply panel for providing means for supplying a patient and/orinstruments for a surgeon and/or light, purified air or other medianeeded in the operating room. The medical device is preferred tocomprise some kind of control panel and/or some kind of display devicefor graphically showing patient data, for example.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the second connection componentis designed as a sleeve, in particular a forked sleeve, wherein at leastthe stopping device and the coupling part and preferably also thestopping ring are disposed in the sleeve, in particular between twoannular sections of the sleeve, preferably in one of the two annularsections, wherein the rotatable connection is preferred to comprise anintermediate element that is placed in the sleeve, in particular in oneof the two annular sections.

This can allow a rotatable connection to be provided, the stoppingdevice of which is easy to access, which facilitates adjustment of therotational angle or rotational angle range. The individual componentscan be placed easily into the sleeve, in particular from the side in theradial direction. An additional intermediate element can also be placedin the sleeve here, in particular into one of the two annular sections,in particular to compensate for a draft angle and/or to facilitate asimple or cost-effective manufacture of the form-locking contours. Theindividual components can also be easily displaced in the axialdirection relative to one another in order to adjust the rotationalangle or rotation range.

The intermediate element can also ensure a very flat design of therotational connection in the axial direction, which is advantageous forcentral axes, which usually already have a considerable extension in theaxial direction, for example.

The object mentioned above is also achieved by a mount device forarrangement in an operating room and for positioning a medical device inthe operating room, the mount device comprising a rotatable connectionaccording to the invention or the support system described above withthe rotatable connection according to the invention.

In a special embodiment, the mount device comprises a support system forarrangement in an operating room and for positioning a medical device inthe operating room, the support system comprising at least one support,in particular a support arm, with a sleeve that is mounted rotatably(relative to a locally fixed part of the mount device or relative toanother support of the mount device) about an axis of rotation at aspindle on a rotatable connection, in particular a rotatable connectionaccording to the invention, wherein the rotatable connection comprisesan adjustable stopping mechanism disposed between the spindle and thesleeve and which is adapted to establish at least two different relativerotational angles of the sleeve relative to the spindle or at least twodifferent angle ranges, wherein the adjustable stopping mechanismcomprises: a rotation lock that can be disposed non-rotatingly at thefirst connection component; a coupling part that can be disposednon-rotatingly at the second connection component and that comprises aform-locking contour for establishing individual rotational anglepositions; wherein the adjustable stopping mechanism comprises at leastone stopping device with an integral stop, wherein the stopping devicecomprises a form-locking contour that corresponds to the form-lockingcontour of the coupling part, the form-locking contour making itpossible to position the stopping device non-rotatingly at the couplingpart in at least two different rotational angle positions in such a waythat the integral stop is adapted to cooperate with the rotation lockand to establish the different rotational angles or rotation ranges, andwherein the stopping device is formed by a base member, wherein in tworecesses of the base member the integral stop is also formed at least bya bridge located between the two recesses, the bridge comprising sidesurface sections that are displaced inward in the peripheral direction,wherein the bridge is disposed at least approximately centrally relativeto the peripheral direction.

This allows the mount device, in particular individual supports relativeto one another, to be positioned flexibly and very easily, wherein thestopping device can be securely positioned without having to use a tool.The integral stop can be displaced in the coupling part in order toestablish a suitable rotational angle position, in particular relativeto a specific arrangement of the mount device relative to othercomponents in the operating room.

A support is preferred to be understood here as a cantilever or supportarm that extends in a specified direction and that can ensure thedesired action radius for the different intended positions of themedical device, in particular by way of a rotating motion about arotatable connection. The support can also be selectively pivotedvertically and/or displaced translationally vertically. The support canalso be a telescopic device with an (additional) degree of freedom ofmovement in the translational direction along the longitudinal axis ofthe support. The support can be formed, at least in part, by aninjection-molded profile, in particular an aluminum injection-moldedprofile, for example.

The stopping device can define a rotational range or a rotational anglemagnitude of the rotatable connection, in particular an allowablerelative rotational angle of the two connection components relative toone another, both of which are easily adjusted.

It is preferable for the coupling part to be disposed at the support, orone of the supports, in the area of the rotatable connection. A contouror stop can be locally fixed at one of the supports, the contour beingcapable of positioning the support in the various rotational anglepositions relative to the other supports or relative to some otherlocally fixed part.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

The invention is explained in more detail in the following drawingfigures using exemplary exemplary embodiments. Shown are:

FIG. 1 A rotatable connection according to one exemplary embodiment ofthe invention shown schematically in a perspective view;

FIG. 2 The rotatable connection according to the exemplary embodimentshown in FIG. 1 in a perspective side view;

FIG. 3 The rotatable connection according to the exemplary embodimentshown in FIG. 1 in a top view;

FIGS. 4A and 4B A fixing element for the exemplary embodiment shown inFIGS. 1 to 3 of the rotatable connection, each shown in a perspectiveside view;

FIG. 5 The rotatable connection according to the exemplary embodimentshown in FIG. 1 in a perspective side view in exploded representation ina situation in which a rotational angle and/or rotation range is beingadjusted; and

FIG. 6 A rotatable connection according to another exemplary embodimentof the invention shown schematically in a perspective view.

In the description of the following figures below, individual referencenumbers not explicitly explained in connection with a specific figurecan be found in the other figures.

Shown in FIG. 1 is a rotatable connection 1 that is disposed at a mountdevice 100 about an axis of rotation R. The mount device 100 comprises asupport system 101 with a first support 102 and at least one othersupport. The rotatable connection 1 comprises a first connectioncomponent 10, in particular in the form of a spindle, and a secondconnection component 20, in particular in the form of a sleeve. Thefirst support 102 is mounted about the first connection component 10 andconnected to the second connection component 20, and the other supportis mounted about the first connection component 10 and connected toanother sleeve. The sleeve 20 can be described as fork-like andcomprises two penetrations 21, each of which is located in an annularsection 22 of the sleeve 20, through which the first connectioncomponent 10 is passed. A cavity is formed between the annular sections22, the cavity being manually accessible in the radial direction, inparticular to adjust a stopping mechanism 30. The axial position of thesleeve 20 on the spindle 10 can be defined using a shaft snap ringfastened to the spindle or by a shaft nut.

The rotatable connection 1 comprises an adjustable stopping mechanism 30that is disposed between the spindle 10 and the sleeve 20. The stoppingmechanism 30 comprises two stopping devices 60 and a coupling part 50.Each stopping device 60 is designed as a relatively narrow fixingelement. The coupling part 50 is designed as a gear ring (see FIG. 3).The gear ring 50 is placed inside the sleeve 20 or is formed by theannular section 22 of the sleeve 20, in particular at an edge or aninner shell surface of one of the two annular sections of thefork-shaped sleeve 20.

Shown in detail in FIG. 2 is the position of the stopping device 60relative to the spindle 10 and to the sleeve 20. The spindle 10comprises a groove 11 for holding a snap ring 80. The snap ring 80 cankeep the stopping devices 60 from shifting upward in the axial directionunintentionally. Each stopping device 60 comprises a top side againstwhich the snap ring 80 can sit. The snap ring 80 is not necessarilyrequired. Rather, it can be optionally added afterward, in particular ifthe spindle 10 is not aligned vertically. The snap ring 80 can be easilyremoved in order to adjust the stopping mechanism 30. To do so, therespective stopping device 60 can be pulled out upward to the positionshown until the stopping device 60 no longer engages with the sleeve 20or gear ring 50. The stopping device 60 can then be moved back downwardin engagement with (inserted into) the sleeve or the gear ring 50 in adifferent rotational angle position. The adjustable stopping mechanismcan be adjusted without the use of any securing screws or ringswhatsoever.

Each stopping device 60 is disposed between the spindle 10 and aform-locking contour 54 of the coupling part 50. The form-lockingcontour 54 is formed by individual teeth 54.1. Disposed in the spindle10 is a rotation lock 13 in the form of a radial bolt that radiallyoverlaps the respective stopping device 60. The radial bolt 13 reachesinto a cavity formed between the spindle 10 and the form-locking contour54. Each stopping device 60 borders a shell surface 12 of the spindle10. The inside diameter of an inner surface of the fixing element 60adjacent to the spindle is at least approximately equal to the outsidediameter of the outer shell surface 12 of the spindle 10 or slightlylarger. Each stopping device 60 has an outer surface 60.1 that isdesigned to geometrically correspond to the form-locking contour 54.Each stopping device 60 has two opposing side surfaces 62.2 or radialsurfaces or shoulders that are preferred to extend, at leastapproximately, in a plane that runs parallel to the axis of rotation R.The flat side surfaces 62.2 form stopping surfaces against which stopssit when a relative rotation is performed. The flat side surfaces 62.2Correspond to stops of a stopping ring, for example, as described inconnection with FIG. 6.

Each stopping device 60 comprises an integral stop 62 that is formed bya base member 63 of the stopping device 60. Each stopping device 60 issubstantially formed solely by the base member 63, which is in the formof an arc segment, so that the stopping device 60 can be identified as afixing element or a fixing block. In the exemplary embodiment shown, abridge (see bridge 62.1 in FIG. 3) is an effective component of theintegral stop 62. The bridge cooperates with the radial bolt 13. Eachfixing block 60 can be positioned relative to the sleeve 20 in differentrotational angle positions, wherein the rotational angle positions aredefined by the arrangement and number of teeth 54.1.

Shown in FIG. 3 is the way in which the radial bolt 13 can cooperatewith the fixing elements 60. Both fixing elements 60 are disposed insuch a way that only a rotational angle of 90° can be achieved, whereinthe rotation range facilitates alignment of the sleeve 20 between theposition shown and a position in which the sleeve 20 is located all theway to the left of the spindle 10. In the position shown, the radialbolt 13 sits against the bridge 62.1, in particular against side surfacesections 62.1 a that are offset inward relative to the side surfaces62.2. The bridge 62.1 is disposed centrally relative to the peripheralextension of the respective fixing block 60. The respective side surface62.2 remains without function in this exemplary embodiment.

The form-locking contour 54 of the gear ring 50 is designed at aninward-facing shell surface 20.2 of the sleeve 20. Notches 59 into whichthe fixing blocks 60 are inserted are formed between the individualteeth 54.1. Each of the fixing blocks 60 are centered in the cavityformed between the spindle 10 and the shell surface 20.2 of the sleeve20 by way of a centering means 65 that is located at the shell surface12 of the spindle 10, wherein the centering means 65 can be provided byan inner surface 60.2. A section of the inner surface 60.2 can form thecentering means 65.

Alternatively, a damping element (not shown) can also be disposed at therespective fixing element 60, the damping element being able to actbetween the radial bolt 13 and the form-locking contour 54 of thecoupling part 50. For example, the damping element can be designed as anelastomer whose geometry corresponds to the geometry of the fixingelement 60, in particular the bridge 62.1. The damping element can bedesigned as a separate part or as an integral part of the base member,for example. However, a damping function can also be achieved by way ofa suitable material selection (a single material) for the fixing element60; this obviates the need for different materials.

Shown in FIG. 4A is the fixing element 60 in detail with a view of aninner side. The fixing element 60 has an absolute height H. The innersurface 60.2 is designed over this entire absolute height H and providesthe centering means 65. The inner surface 60.2/centering means 65 isdesigned to be geometrically corresponding to the shell surface of thespindle (see FIG. 3). In other words: The inner surface 60.2/centeringmeans 65 is concave and describes a circular arc. Two lateral recesses67 define the integral bridge 62.1, which is flanked by the offset sidesurface sections 62.1 a. The integral stop 62 is formed by the offsetside surface sections 62.1 a and the side surfaces or shoulders 62.2,wherein the shoulders 62.2 fulfill a function that in particular is inconnection with the exemplary embodiment described in FIG. 6. The fixingelement 60 has a flat bottom side 68 for sitting against the sleeve 20or form-locking contour 54 shown in FIG. 3. In a section along one ofthe two horizontal planes indicated by HE, the fixing element 60 has aT-shaped cross sectional profile.

Shown in FIG. 4B is the fixing element 60 in detail with a view of anouter side. The fixing element 60 comprises a form-locking contour 64formed by individual teeth 64.1. Two notches 69 are disposed between theouter surface 60.1 and the bottom side 68, the notches defining thethree teeth 64.1. Two of the three teeth 64.1 are located on the outsideand are formed in part by the side surfaces 62.2 (see FIG. 4A). Eachtooth 64.1 is defined by four different surface sections, namely anouter radial surface section 64.1 a, two shoulders or radial surfacesections 64.1 b and one section on the bottom side 68. The notches 69each define an inner surface section 69.1 that can correspond to a toothof the form-locking contour of the coupling part (see FIG. 5). Thefixing element 60 comprises an edge 64.2 or an outer radial bottom ledgethat is interrupted by the notches 69. In other words: The notches 69and teeth 64.1 are designed on the outer radial bottom ledge 64.2.

Shown in FIG. 5 is one of the fixing blocks 60 in an arrangement inwhich the stopping mechanism can be adjusted. The respective fixingblock 60 can be repositioned and reinserted into the cavity axially byaxially pulling the fixing block out of the cavity between the spindle10 and the sleeve 20. This allows the form-locking contour 64 of thefixing element 60 to be manually released from the correspondingform-locking contour 54 of the gear ring 50 without the use of a tooland pulled out in the axial direction and re-inserted, also manuallywithout using a tool. The fixing block 60 can be led along the shellsurface of the spindle 10 in the process. There is no snap ring providedin the groove 11 at the spindle 10.

The coupling part 50 comprises an edge 51 at which the form-lockingcontour 54 is made. The edge 51 can define a radial position for thefixing element 60 and can in the process position the fixing element 60in a secure way in the annular cavity between the spindle 10 and thesleeve 20 or coupling part 50. The form-locking contour 54 is designedas a cogging that protrudes in the axial and the radial direction. Theform-locking contour 54 comprises a plurality of individual teeth 54.1that are disposed at a uniform separation distance in the peripheraldirection. Each tooth 54.1 is defined by four different surfacesections, namely an inner radial surface section 54.1 c, two shouldersor radial surface sections 54.1 b and one corresponding surface sectionon a top side of the edge 51. Each tooth 54.1 extends up to an outerradial surface section 54.1 a at which the fixing element 60 can bepositioned in the radial direction.

The respective fixing block 60 is designed as an arc segment symmetricrelative to a radial plane RE running centrally through the fixing block60 or base member of the fixing block 60. The form-locking contour 64 ofthe fixing block 60 is designed over a height H1 that is smaller thanthe height H of the fixing block by a factor of about 3 to 5. The heightH of the fixing block is greater than the height H1 of the form-lockingcontour 64 by a factor of about 3 to 5. The fixing block 60 comprises acircular arc section a in the peripheral direction corresponding to anarc within a range of 20° to 25°. Such a peripheral angle is a goodcompromise between adjustment variance and stability. The respectivefixing block 60 comprises a surface 66 that can be designed as a slidingsurface as described in connection with FIG. 6.

Shown in FIG. 6 is the way in which an additional, alternative stoppingring 40 can be mounted rotationally blockable on the spindle 10 and on aplurality of fixing elements 60, in particular in order to adjust therotational range to greater than 360°. The stopping ring 40 comprises aform-locking element 43 that corresponds to the bolt 13, the elementbeing disposed on an inside of the stopping ring 40. A dead angle thatarises due to the required minimum extension of the fixing element 60 inthe peripheral direction can be bridged by way of this rotationallyblockable arrangement. The rotationally blockable arrangement makespossible a pre-definable rotation range with a rotational angle ofgreater than 330°, or even greater than 360°, in particular up to 420°.A rotationally blockable stopping ring 40 can also be identified as anintermediate ring that bridges a dead angle and which is disposed andacts between the spindle 10 and the fixing elements 60. The fixingelement 60 and the stopping ring 40 are placed in series consecutivelyin the axial direction and mesh with one another in the axial direction.

There are three stops 42 provided at the stopping ring 40, the stopsbeing disposed offset relative to one another at an angle of about 120°in the peripheral direction. Also, the form-locking element 43 isdisposed at a peripheral position at least approximately centrallybetween two of the three stops 42. This arrangement of the stops 42 andthe form-locking element 43 relative to one another can also provide agood load distribution. The stopping ring 40 also comprises adisk-shaped section 41. The three stops 42 protrude in the axialdirection from the disk-shaped section 41.

Each fixing element 60 here can be placed in the cavity radially betweenthe spindle 10 and the sleeve 20 and the rotation lock or bolt 13reaches into this cavity in which the form-locking element 43 can alsobe shifted.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show that the stopping ring 40 can abut a correspondingtop side 66 of the fixing element 60 with a (first) face 46 and canslide therealong during a relative rotational motion. The face 46 has acircular sliding surface section that is disposed between the stops 42and the form-locking element 43. The top side of the fixing element 60and the bottom side or sliding surface 46 of the stopping ring 40 form asliding bearing. In addition, the top side of the fixing element 60 canalso comprise a coating with a low coefficient of friction, for example,or the fixing element 60 can be designed, at least partially, from anappropriate material. The same applies to the stopping ring 40 orsurface 46. However, the force acting on the top side of the fixingelement 60 is not large: the stopping ring 40 has a relatively smallmass. A frictional force between the stopping ring 40 and the fixingelement 60 can be almost negligible in this arrangement. The face 46 andthe top side of the fixing element 60 or corresponding surface sectioncan also be identified as sliding surface sections.

In the arrangement shown in FIG. 6, the components can be alternativelyaxially secured using a snap ring 80 that cooperates with a top side orsecond face 47 of the stopping ring 40. However, use of the snap ring 80is not necessarily required in this exemplary embodiment either. Rather,the individual components can also secure one another, in particularsolely due to a weight force acting thereon that can secure the axialpositioning.

Embodiments of the invention relate to a rotatable connection for amount device for placement in an operating room, comprising anadjustable stopping mechanism that can be disposed between a firstconnection component and a second connection component that is mountedrotatably relative to the first connection component about an axis ofrotation, the adjustable stopping mechanism being adapted to establishat least two different relative rotational angles of the connectioncomponents relative to one another or at least two different rotationranges, wherein the adjustable stopping mechanism comprises: a rotationlock that can be disposed non-rotatingly at the first connectioncomponent; a coupling part that can be disposed non-rotatingly at thesecond connection component and that has a form-locking contour forestablishing individual rotational angle positions; wherein theadjustable stopping mechanism comprises at least one stopping devicewith an integral stop, wherein the stopping device comprises aform-locking contour that corresponds with the form-locking contour ofthe coupling part, the stopping device being positionable non-rotatinglyat the coupling part by means of said stopping device contour in atleast two different rotational angle positions in such a way that theintegral stop is adapted to cooperate with the rotation lock and toestablish the different rotational angles or rotation ranges. Theinvention further relates to a support system or mount device comprisingsuch a rotatable connection.

REFERENCE LIST

-   1 Rotatable connection-   10 First connection component, in particular a spindle-   11 Groove-   13 Rotation lock, in particular a radial bolt-   20 Second connection component, in particular a sleeve-   20.2 Inward-facing shell surface of the sleeve-   21 Penetration for the first connection component-   22 Circular section of the fork-shaped sleeve-   30 Adjustable stopping mechanism-   40 Stopping ring-   41 Disk-shaped section-   42 Stop-   42.1 Side surface, in particular flat stopping surface-   43 Form-locking element-   46 First face, in particular sliding surface-   47 Second face-   50 Coupling part, in particular gear ring-   51 Edge-   54 Form-locking contour-   54.1 Individual tooth-   54.1 a Outer radial surface section-   54.1 b Shoulder or radial surface-   54.1 c Inner surface section-   59 Notch-   60 Stopping device, in particular fixing element or fixing block-   60.1 Outer surface-   60.2 Inner surface-   62 Integral stop-   62.1 Bridge or inner indent, in particular radial inwardly    free-standing bridge-   62.1 a Offset side surface section, in particular flat stopping    surface-   62.2 Side surface-   63 Base member-   64 Form-locking contour-   64.1 Individual tooth-   64.1 a Outer radial surface section-   64.1 b Shoulder or radial surface section-   64.2 Edge or outer radial bottom ledge-   65 Centering means-   66 Top side, in particular sliding surface-   67 recess-   68 Bottom side-   69 Notch-   69.1 Inner surface section-   80 Snap ring-   100 Mount device-   101 Support system-   102 (First) support-   H Height of the stopping device-   HE Horizontal plane-   H1 Height of the form-locking contour of the stopping device-   R Axis of rotation-   RE Radial plane-   α Arc extension or peripheral angle.

What is claimed is:
 1. A rotatable connection for a mount device forplacement in an operating room, the connection comprising an adaptablestopping mechanism that is disposed between a first connection componentand a second connection component that is mounted on an axis of rotationand is rotatable relative to the first connection component, thestopping mechanism also establishing at least two different relativerotational angles of the connection components relative to one anotheror at least two different rotation ranges, wherein the adaptablestopping mechanism comprises: a rotation lock that is disposed at thefirst connection component non-rotatingly; a coupling part that isdisposed non-rotatingly at the second connection component and thatcomprises a form-locking contour for establishing individual rotationalangle positions; wherein the adaptable stopping mechanism comprises atleast one stopping device with an integral stop, wherein the integralstop is formed by a bridge with side surface sections that are offsetinward in the peripheral direction and/or by side surfaces of a basemember, wherein the stopping device comprises a form-locking contourthat corresponds to the form-locking contour of the coupling part, thestopping device contour allowing the stopping device to benon-rotatingly positioned at the coupling part in at least two differentrotational angle positions in such a way that the integral stop isadapted to cooperate with the rotation lock and to establish thedifferent rotational angles or rotation ranges.
 2. The rotatableconnection according to claim 1, wherein the stopping device is designedas a fixing element including a fixing block, wherein the fixing elementshifts in the axial direction along the axis of rotation.
 3. Therotatable connection according to claim 1, wherein the stopping deviceis formed by the base member, wherein the integral stop is formed at aside surface of the base member and/or in a recess of the base member.4. The rotatable connection according to claim 3, wherein the basemember has an arc-shaped geometry that includes an arc-shaped innersurface and/or an arc-shaped outer surface.
 5. The rotatable connectionaccording to claim 4, wherein the base member is designed as a circularring segment which is symmetrical relative to a radial plane that runscentrally through the base member.
 6. The radial connection according toclaim 1, wherein the stopping device has an extension corresponding toan arc in the range of 5° to 50° or of 10° to 40° or of 15° to 30° aboutthe axis of rotation in the peripheral direction of the coupling part.7. The rotatable connection according to claim 1, wherein theform-locking contour of the coupling part is designed on a shell surfacethat faces inward and/or on a top side of the coupling part pointing inthe axial direction, and that the form-locking contour of the stoppingdevice is designed on a bottom side that points in the axial directiontoward the coupling part.
 8. The rotatable connection according to claim1, wherein the form-locking contour of the stopping device is formed byat least one notch that connects an outer surface with a bottom side ofthe stopping device and that is disposed at a distance to opposing sidesurfaces of the stopping device.
 9. The rotatable connection accordingto claim 1, wherein the form-locking contour of the stopping device isformed by teeth including one or two teeth, wherein the teeth arepreferably disposed at two opposing side surfaces or define the sidesurfaces at least in sections.
 10. The rotatable connection according toclaim 1, wherein the stopping device has a T-shaped cross sectionalprofile in a section in a horizontal plane orthogonal to the axis ofrotation at a bottom section and at a bottom side, and/or that thestopping device comprises two recesses that define a bridgetherebetween, wherein the bridge is disposed centrally relative to theperipheral direction and radially inward.
 11. The rotatable connectionaccording to claim 1, wherein the rotatable connection comprises astopping ring that is mounted rotationally blockable at the firstconnection component and that has at least one stop that corresponds tothe integral stop, wherein the at least one stop axially overlaps theintegral stop.
 12. The rotatable connection according to claim 11,wherein the rotatable connection comprises at least two stoppingdevices, wherein the stopping ring is axially positioned at the couplingpart or at the second connection component in the axial direction usingthe stopping device, wherein the stopping ring and the stopping deviceform a sliding bearing for sliding motion relative to one another.
 13. Asupport system for the mount device for arrangement in the operatingroom and for positioning a medical device in the operating roomaccording to claim 1, comprising the rotatable connection and the firstconnection component in a form of a spindle, and the second connectioncomponent in a form of a sleeve.
 14. The mount device for arrangement inthe operating room and for positioning a medical device in the operatingroom according to claim 1, comprising the rotatable connection.
 15. Arotatable connection for a mount device for placement in an operatingroom, the connection comprising an adaptable stopping mechanism that isdisposed between a first connection component and a second connectioncomponent that is mounted on an axis of rotation and is rotatablerelative to the first connection component, the stopping mechanism alsoestablishing at least two different relative rotational angles of theconnection components relative to one another or at least two differentrotation ranges, wherein the adaptable stopping mechanism comprises: arotation lock that is disposed at the first connection componentnon-rotatingly; a coupling part that is disposed non-rotatingly at thesecond connection component and that comprises a form-locking contourfor establishing individual rotational angle positions; wherein theadaptable stopping mechanism comprises at least one stopping device withan integral stop, wherein the integral stop is formed by a bridge withside surface sections that are offset inward in the peripheral directionand/or by side surfaces of a base member, wherein the stopping devicecomprises a form-locking contour that corresponds to the form-lockingcontour of the coupling part, the stopping device contour allowing thestopping device to be non-rotatingly positioned at the coupling part inat least two different rotational angle positions in such a way that theintegral stop is adapted to cooperate with the rotation lock and toestablish the different rotational angles or rotation ranges, andwherein the form-locking contour of the stopping device is formed by atleast one notch that connects an outer surface with a bottom side of thestopping device and that is disposed at a distance to opposing sidesurfaces of the stopping device.
 16. A rotatable connection for a mountdevice for placement in an operating room, the connection comprising anadaptable stopping mechanism that is disposed between a first connectioncomponent and a second connection component that is mounted on an axisof rotation and is rotatable relative to the first connection component,the stopping mechanism also establishing at least two different relativerotational angles of the connection components relative to one anotheror at least two different rotation ranges, wherein the adaptablestopping mechanism comprises: a rotation lock that is disposed at thefirst connection component non-rotatingly; a coupling part that isdisposed non-rotatingly at the second connection component and thatcomprises a form-locking contour for establishing individual rotationalangle positions, wherein the adaptable stopping mechanism comprises atleast one stopping device with an integral stop, and wherein thestopping device comprises a form-locking contour that corresponds to theform-locking contour of the coupling part, the stopping device contourallowing the stopping device to be non-rotatingly positioned at thecoupling part in at least two different rotational angle positions insuch a way that the integral stop is adapted to cooperate with therotation lock and to establish the different rotational angles orrotation ranges, and wherein the stopping device has a T-shaped crosssectional profile in a section in a horizontal plane orthogonal to theaxis of rotation at a bottom section and at a bottom side, and/or thatthe stopping device comprises two recesses that define a bridgetherebetween, wherein the bridge is disposed centrally relative to theperipheral direction and radially inward.
 17. A rotatable connection fora mount device for placement in an operating room, the connectioncomprising an adaptable stopping mechanism that is disposed between afirst connection component and a second connection component that ismounted on an axis of rotation and is rotatable relative to the firstconnection component, the stopping mechanism also establishing at leasttwo different relative rotational angles of the connection componentsrelative to one another or at least two different rotation ranges,wherein the adaptable stopping mechanism comprises: a rotation lock thatis disposed at the first connection component non-rotatingly; a couplingpart that is disposed non-rotatingly at the second connection componentand that comprises a form-locking contour for establishing individualrotational angle positions, wherein the adaptable stopping mechanismcomprises at least one stopping device with an integral stop, whereinthe stopping device comprises a form-locking contour that corresponds tothe form-locking contour of the coupling part, the stopping devicecontour allowing the stopping device to be non-rotatingly positioned atthe coupling part in at least two different rotational angle positionsin such a way that the integral stop is adapted to cooperate with therotation lock and to establish the different rotational angles orrotation ranges, and further comprising comprises a stopping ring thatis mounted rotationally blockable at the first connection component andthat has at least one stop that corresponds to the integral stop,wherein the at least one stop axially overlaps the integral stop. 18.The rotatable connection of claim 17, wherein the rotatable connectioncomprises at least two stopping devices, wherein the stopping ring isaxially positioned at the coupling part or at the second connectioncomponent in the axial direction using the stopping device, wherein thestopping ring and the stopping device form a sliding bearing for slidingmotion relative to one another.